Besides, you would not have me quit you in this lane, where there is no turn to right or left ?" Peveril moved on, desirous to avoid open violence--for which the indifferent tone of the traveller, indeed, afforded no apt pretext--yet highly disliking his company, and determined to take the first opportunity to rid himself of it.
The stranger proceeded at the same pace with him, keeping cautiously on his bridle hand, as if to secure that advantage in case of a struggle.
But his language did not intimate the least apprehension.

"You do me wrong," he said to Peveril, "and you equally wrong yourself.

You are uncertain where to lodge to-night--trust to my guidance.

Here is an ancient hall, within four miles, with an old knightly Pantaloon for its lord--an all-be-ruffed Dame Barbara for the lady gay--a Jesuit, in a butler's habit, to say grace--an old tale of Edgehill and Worster fights to relish a cold venison pasty, and a flask of claret mantled with cobwebs--a bed for you in the priest's hiding-hole--and, for aught I know, pretty Mistress Betty, the dairy-maid, to make it ready." "This has no charms for me, sir," said Peveril, who, in spite of himself, could not but be amused with the ready sketch which the stranger gave of many an old mansion in Cheshire and Derbyshire, where the owners retained the ancient faith of Rome.
"Well, I see I cannot charm you in this way," continued his companion; "I must strike another key.

I am no longer Ganlesse, the seminary priest, but (changing his tone, and snuffling in the nose) Simon Canter, a poor preacher of the Word, who travels this way to call sinners to repentance; and to strengthen, and to edify, and to fructify among the scattered remnant who hold fast the truth .-- What say you to this, sir ?" "I admire your versatility, sir, and could be entertained with it at another time.